Whilst we have visited New Mexico preciously we had never stayed in Las Cruces. It is a pretty town with lots to see and do. Today we visited the historic Mesilla district. Prominant on the norh side of the town square is the Bascilica of San Albino. It is built of fired brick, with a belfry facade on each corner.
After the conclusion of the Mexican- American War in 1846, the town of Mesila was established sometime around 1850 on the Mexican side of the newly established Mexican - American border, by refugees from former Mexican territory that had been ceded to the USA. A priest, Ramon Oritiz y Miera, was appointed to be the Commissioner of Emigration to assist in resetling these Mexican citizens. The Mexican government ordered the church established in 1852 to support local residents. Initally the church was constructed on the south side of Mesilla's central plaza. In 1854 there was a redistribution of land and now the Church was designated American. It 2008 it became a Basiilica.
The Church has a very elaborate Alter. Its covered at this time the Altar is covered in black for Passion Week.
Each window is adorned with a beautiful stained glass window depicting stories from the Bible.
This is a shot of the stained class window above the door.
More to follow,
Cheers, Ross and Beverley
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